Tools and Equipment I: Manicure, Pedicure, Makeup & Hair Styling Tools – SS1 Beauty & Cosmetology Lesson Note (First Term)

In cosmetology, tools are small items held in the hand, such as combs, brushes, scissors, nail clippers and makeup brushes. Equipment means larger machines, such as hooded dryers and blow dryers. Each tool has a specific use and needs correct cleaning and storage. Knowing this is what separates a professional from an amateur.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Differentiate between tools and equipment in cosmetology.
2. Name common hair styling, manicure, pedicure and makeup tools and state one use of each.
3. Describe how to clean and store each tool.
4. State the safety rules for caring for electrical equipment.
5. Explain the three general rules for storing and caring for tools.

Why do tools and equipment matter?

Imagine trying to cut hair with a kitchen knife or apply makeup with your fingers only. It would not look very good. In cosmetology, we use specific tools (small things you hold in your hand) and equipment (larger machines like dryers). Knowing how to use, clean and store them is what separates a professional from an amateur.

What are the basic hair styling tools?

These are the most common items you will find in any Nigerian salon or barbershop.

What are the manicure and pedicure tools?

When working on nails, safety is the number one priority because you are working close to the skin.

What are the makeup tools?

What is large equipment and how do we care for it?

These are the “big guys” that stay in the salon.

• Hooded dryer: The big dryer you sit under to dry braids or rollers.
• Handheld blow dryer: Used for stretching hair or styling.

Care for electrical equipment

• Always unplug them when not in use.
• Keep cords neat (do not wrap them too tightly).
• Keep them away from water to avoid electric shocks.

What are the general rules for storage and care?

If you want your tools to last for years, follow these three rules:

1. Clean it: Remove hair, dust or product.
2. Sanitise it: Use a disinfectant (like methylated spirit or specialised salon cleaners) to kill germs.
3. Dry it: Never store wet tools in a closed drawer. This causes rust and a bad smell.

Pro-tip: Have a “Dirty Box” and a “Clean Box.” Once you finish using a tool on a client, put it in the dirty box so you do not accidentally use it on someone else before washing it.

Class practical activity

The identification game: The teacher will place 5 different tools on the table. One student will come out, pick a tool, and tell the class:

1. The name of the tool.
2. One thing it is used for.
3. How to clean it.

Evaluation

1. What is the difference between a tool and equipment? Give one example of each.
2. State one use of a wide-tooth comb and one use of a tail comb.
3. Why must nail clippers be disinfected after every client?
4. How should a beauty blender be dried after washing, and why?
5. State the three general rules for storing and caring for tools.

Assignment

In your notebooks, draw a wide-tooth comb and a pair of hair shears. Label the parts you know.